Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday September 19, 2011

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Supervisor Thomas Mann. Present were Supervisor Mann, Clerk Donna Heeres, Treasurer Katy Postmus, Trustee Marvin Rubingh, Trustee Mark DeKorne. Also present: Mark Groenink, Aaron Nordman of Performance Engineering, Tina Sundelius and Andy Veenstra.

2. Supervisor Mann led the Pledge of Allegiance and Trustee Rubingh opened the meeting with prayer.

3. The minutes of the August Regular Meeting were presented. MOTION Rubingh, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented, amending item #7 deleting “for the summer”.

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $79,832.95 with $300,000 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund Balance: $24,539.58; Roads Fund Balance: $44,500.73; Liquor Fund Balance: $642.02; Grand Total: $148,768.43. Treasurer Postmus presented a projection of fund balances on a weekly basis through the end of December.

5. Public Comment: Aaron Nordman of Performance Engineering addressed the Board with questions about the Park Project. His firm will submit a proposal to our next Board meeting.

6. Fire Department: Chief Groenink reported Kelsey Drenth will continue to serve on the rescue department as she is attending college locally at this time. The fire board met this evening and reviewed two proposal for replacing parts of the roof at the Ellsworth Fire Hall that were damaged by hail in early June. Ray Hall Roofing proposed new metal shingle roof for $3125 and Person Construction the same for $2700. Question arose about wording on the Person proposal. MOTION Postmus, Mann, CARRIED To award the bid to Person Construction contingent on insurance coverage and verification of steel materials will be used. A Mutual Aid Agreement for all Fire Departments in the County was presented. Action was tabled to allow the Board to study the proposal more thoroughly. Chief Groenink reported that the Atwood Pumper truck would not start and had to be towed to GT Diesel for analysis and repairs. The oil pressure sensor was bad and the truck was back in service in 3 days. The second new tanker (6630) was delivered August 31.

7. Zoning Administrator: Andy Veenstra reported a permit was issued for another pad & generator at the Atwood cell tower site, one garage, one pole barn and one deck. Discussion was held on complaint on property on Lake Michigan. A current address for the property owner has been obtained and the treasurer reported that the taxes are paid up to date. Chief Groenink will draft a letter to the property owner citing inability to access the property due to trees down, etc. Supervisor Mann will draft a letter to the neighbor who complained and explain the Township’s position and action plan.

8. Randall Veterinary Clinic held an Open House on Saturday, September 17. Congratulations to Chris, Kandi and staff on this new business location! Very best wishes for success from the Township Board!

9. Park Improvements: Treasurer Postmus reported four firms are expected to present proposals at our October meeting.

10. Township Hall: Discussion on the need to develop a 5 year plan for improvements to the Township Hall. Consensus was to preserve the historical character of the building and investigate Historical Designation of the building. John Hastings informed the Board of his decision to retire as janitor of the township hall, a position he has held for many years. He will assist with preparation of a job description and will continue to serve until a replacement can be found.

11. Planning Commission: Trustee Rubingh reported the Planning Commission has completed the medical marihuana ordinance proposal and will schedule a public hearing on the proposal soon. Work continues on revision to the RV language in the ordinance.

12. Timberlane Terrace/White Pine Shores Dispute: The dispute between property owners over lake frontage for a private park in Timberlane Terrace has been resolved with a Judge ordered amendment of property lines. It is our understanding that the surveys have been completed and the property lines have been adjusted in accordance with the Judge’s ruling.

13. Breezeway: The next task force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 27 @ 5 PM at the East Jordan City Hall. The Fall Cruise is scheduled for Saturday October 15.

14. Property & Liability Insurance: Discussion on seeking alternate bids for coverage was held. A representative from a local agency has asked to give a presentation to the Board and will be scheduled for our October 17 meeting.

15. Snow Removal Bids: Clerk will advertise for bids for snow plowing & removal @ Township Hall, Cemetery Vault building and two fire halls with bids to be opened on October 17.

16. Ellsworth Community Schools: Congratulations are in order to Superintendent Lynn Spearing and the entire school system for their work to ensure our children’s education is top notch! Ellsworth Schools were named one of America’s best schools by the US News & World Report in 2010. In spite of the current economic climate, the school has actually added courses to their curriculum this year! Also, enrollment is increased over a year ago! Congratulations Lynn & staff for the great job you are doing for our community!

17. Info Items: Letter from State Senator Howard Walker was distributed. Farrell Road resurfacing project was approximately $9800 under budget. Patches have been made to Essex Corner. Study of mail by the USPS is underway with consideration of office consolidations and closings being done. Intro to Transportation Asset Management workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM @ the Forest Home Township Hall in Bellaire. The Sheriff’s Report of emergency calls was shared.

18. Phragmites: The Clerk reported a contract has been signed with A&T Service, LLC, for phragmites treatment on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Banks Township. Total cost is $2925. Possibility of grant funding support is being investigated through the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

19. Next meeting will be held Monday, October 17 @ 7:30 PM.

20. Bills represented by the attached list were presented for approval for payment. Discussion was held on check number 6470 to the Village of Ellsworth for the Summer Recreation Program cost sharing. The check will be held pending receipt of program information. MOTION DeKorne, Mann, CARRIED to approve the bills as presented.

21. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk